2016-06 June

This family friendly event includes a no-cost raffle for emergency preparedness items. View displays and demonstrations. Learn how to equip your house, apartment or vehicle for common potential emergencies and disasters.

Chapter meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at: Campbell Community Center 1 W. Campbell Avenue, Room Q80 in Campbell (corner of Winchester Blvd. and Campbell Avenue) except December. Social time begins at 9:30 am.

AARP Website: aarp.org

Disclaimer: Acceptance of advertising or other assistance in this publication does not constitute endorsement or approval by this chapter or AARP of any service, product or advertiser.

If you do volunteer work, whether it’s at a school, soup kitchen, or senior center, perhaps you’ve experienced the emotional rewards of donating your time. What you might not realize, however, is that volunteering may offer some added advantages for your heart. “There’s a growing body of research showing that volunteering is associated with better physical and mental health outcomes,” says Eric S. Kim, a research fellow at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. A study he co-authored, published in Social Science and Medicine earlier this year, found that volunteers were more likely to use preventive health care services. For instance, people who volunteered were 47% more likely to get cholesterol checks and 30% more likely to get flu shots than those who didn’t volunteer. (An annual flu shot appears to lower the risk of heart attack and stroke by about one-third over the following year.)

Measurable Gains: The participants were part of the Health and Retirement Study, a nationally representative study launched in 1992 that includes more than 7,100 adults over age 50. Earlier research from the same study found that people who volunteered on a regular basis (at least 200 hours a year) were less likely to develop high blood pressure over a four-year period than non-volunteers. Volunteers also had greater increases in psychological wellbeing and physical activity. Another large, ongoing study of volunteerism, Baltimore Experience Corps Study, has also documented physical, social, and cognitive improvements in volunteers. Begun in 1995 and now operating in multiple cities across the United States, Experience Corps pairs adults ages 50 or older with public school students who struggle with reading. Earlier studies have found that, compared with a control group, Experience Corps volunteers tend to walk more steps, be less depressed, find it easier to do everyday tasks, and have better thinking skills.

Why connection matters: The well-known advantages of greater social connectivity likely play a large role, says Kim. “For example, when you’re more connected to your community, it’s easier to get information on things like how to find the best deals on fresh vegetables, or where to get a free flu shot. People also provide one another emotional support.” Another intriguing potential benefit is that volunteering may give people a greater sense of purpose in life. There are three elements to a sense of purpose: a sense of meaning, a sense of direction, and a goal to strive for, Kim explains. In recent years, research on health and longevity has expanded to focus more on these types of positive emotions. “We know that stress, depression, and anger all have negative effects on the body, especially with regard to the risk of cardiovascular disease,” says Kim. The opposite emotions and mindsets — satisfaction and optimism — are closely linked to (but not necessarily synonymous with) a sense of purpose, he adds. Yet a sense of purpose is associated with better heart health above and beyond the effects of optimism and a positive outlook. In fact, a 2016 report in Psychosomatic Medicine that pooled findings from 10 different studies found that people with a high sense of purpose in life had a lower risk of having a cardiovascular event (such as a heart attack or stroke) and of dying from any cause, compared with people who had a lower sense of purpose.

We know it’s only June but it’s time to think about next year. We invite you to be a vital part of our fantastic group by volunteering for a board or committee position. We always welcome new ideas. If you are interested in guiding the chapter, please call one of the members of the Nominating Committee. It will enrich your life. See the article on the below re volunteering!

Due to Congress and the California state legislature being on summer break, our legislative article will be next to non-existent. Something you already know, Social Security beneficiaries won’t get a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) because of low inflation. This will be the third time since 2010 that beneficiaries won’t get a raise. We hope you exercised your right to vote on June 7.